Carolina Hurricanes: Should They Consider Mats Zuccarello?

2 of 4

RALEIGH, NC – MARCH 31: Carolina Hurricanes Center Jordan Staal (11) goes for the puck with New York Rangers Right Wing Mats Zuccarello (36) closely behind during the 2nd period of the Carolina Hurricanes game versus the New York Rangers on March 31, 2018, at PNC Arena (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Speed

This is a part of Zuccarello’s game that can be a huge part of how the Hurricanes operate. The Hurricanes love to generate their offense by attacking on the forecheck. Speed helps on that regard by being able to chase down pucks in the zone as well as being able to hound defenseman to lose control of the puck. That being said, Rod Brind’Amour can put him in any line combination because he can help elevate his teammates production.

In addition to the forecheck, Zuccarello’s speed can lead to odd man rushes in the Hurricanes favor. He can help lead the odd man rush and with his skating and passing ability can help set up a shot for his teammate or bait the goalie into thinking pass. Zuccarello can put the puck into the net, but sometimes goalies expect things based on scouting reports and that’s where his knowledge for the game comes into play.

His speed can put him one step ahead of the goalie. Before the goalie has time to think or adjust to what Zuccarello is doing, he may have already beat him. This is something you see in high IQ players that have speed. Sebastian Aho uses his speed to burn defenders and have the goalie in desperation trying to match the speed. Zuccarello can do the same.

Zuccarello, for an example, is a way better version in what the Hurricanes had when Nathan Gerbe was on the roster. They play a similar game in which they use speed as their asset, but can also get physical despite their lack of size.

Home/Editorials